16 OCTOBER 2017

The Green Machine Returns

Danny Green is back

By Paul Upham: “I’m back,” said Danny Green, greeting a handful of visitors to his training session in Sydney on Friday. The former WBA light heavyweight world champion is returning to boxing after a one year retirement. Green makes his comeback against South African Anthony Van Niekerk at the Challenge Stadium in Perth, Western Australia on Sunday April 26.

A former WBC interim super middleweight champion, Green won the WBA 175lbs world title from Stipe Drews in December 2007. He then retired unexpectedly in April 2008, claiming to have had an “epiphany” on Easter Sunday morning and promptly hung up his gloves.

But after months spent reconsidering his decision, Green is now fully committed to his return and feels comfortable about being a professional boxer once again.

“I feel great,” Green told SecondsOut. “I have no regrets about boxing again. I am happy training and this is what I want to do. I’m really looking forward to fighting in Perth again in front of my fans.”

Green looks stronger

35 year-old Van Niekerk has a record of 21-6-2 (13) and first fought as a professional in May 1995.

“Zac is a good young fighter and we had some great rounds today,” said Green. “We had a little fun in there, but there was also a lot of serious work as well. I have only been back in training full time for three weeks, so there is still rust I am getting rid of. But my punches feel good and I am moving well.”